grasses, the Poaceae. It grows from short rhizomes, and bear tufts of leaves, from which flowers emerge in racemes held on short stems above the leaves. Use: The root is antitussive, aphrodisiac, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, sialagogue, stomachic and tonic. It is also said to have anticancer activity. The root is used internally in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including dry coughs, fevers, thirst, sore throats, tuberculosis, dry constipation, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations. It is also frequently used in polyherbal treatments of diabetes mellitus. The roots have been shown to have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, B. typhi etc. The plant is antipyretic, antiscrofulatic, antitussive, emollient, expectorant and tonic. It also lowers blood pressure. 8. Scientific name: Aglaonema commutatum SCHOTT Common names: poison dart plant Family: Araceae Origin: Philippines
Description: The leaves are thick, elliptic to lance-shaped, dark green with silver-gray blotches on erect, sometimes branched stems. The plants reach heights of growth between 40 cm and 120 cm. It thrives in shady locations. Use: To humans and animals, it is poisonous if ingested (or if the juice from the plant is touched). Possible symptoms include a rash, pain where the rash is, and mucous membranes irritated.
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